Realizing the Dream

Jess and Jake's wedding
Jess and Jake’s wedding

A dream is a wish your heart makes….Cinderella

The beautiful couple above really started the whole thing. Meet Jess and Jake. Their barn wedding took place on a lush farm about an hour from the city of Pittsburgh a few years ago.

I had been working for a religious institution planning and organizing programming and events, including weddings. Though it was interesting, I longed to be there for the actual unfolding, something that was not required of me in my job.

So when I heard Jess and Jake were getting married, I asked them if I could supervise their wedding. Thankfully, they said yes.

Jess and I met a few times to go over details. I went early to the farm on the day of the wedding and made sure the set up was accurate. I timed the bridesmaids walking down the lawn. I stuck around all night to insure everything was taken care of. I was in charge of paying the vendors and I also made sure all the gifts and cards were put in a safe place.

When Jess and Jake returned from their honeymoon, we went out to dinner. They gave me a present, a plaque with a poem titled “Those Who Serve.” It was absolutely beautiful.

The owner of the farm was watching me the night of the wedding. She offered me a part time summer job. The next year, I did six or so weddings at three different farm locations. The outdoor wedding bug bit me hard. I fell in love with barn weddings.

And I still love weddings, all kinds. Whether they are Orthodox, Jewish, Catholic, Methodist, indoor, outdoor- I love them. Maybe it’s because I believe in the “Happily Ever After” or maybe it’s because I just love that moment in time, when two people decide to join together and make a commitment to each other. I love all the families being there, wishing them well. I could go on and on….

So I began to think about starting my own business, planning weddings and special events. When my mom fell ill and I quit my full time job, that dream came closer and closer. I talked it over with a few people and decided to go for it. Business cards were made, a few “Partners” said YES!, and my event planning website went “LIVE” last week. (Hang on, I’m going to share the link with you at the bottom of this post!)

This leap of faith I am taking is inspired by grace. Instead of feeling fear, I feel an inspiration to give this long desired dream a chance. I pray that I will again be led in a divine direction, to go where people may need me most. The people I have met already who want to be a part of my new business are well, just heaven sent.

So tonight, raise a glass and please make a toast to my new business, Katherine’s Daughter Events. Your blessing and your prayers will mean more to me than anything else. After all, this is a joint project. You are part of my life.

Check out my new website HERE!

What’s your most unforgettable moment from your wedding, or a wedding you’ve been to recently?

It's nice to share. Thank you.

17 Replies to “Realizing the Dream”

  1. Wow!! Your website is awesome! I love how offer your different services with flowers…”impressive!!” Congratulations and best wishes for a successful business adventure! Dreams do come true….

  2. I wish you all the luck in the world (not that you need it) for this new chapter of your life that your tackling. The website is absolutely beautiful and inspiring. I do believe I’ll have to have a little conversation with my husband in the future about a renewal ceremony, and now I know exactly who will help us on that journey. Much love and congratulations, I’m just so proud and happy for you.

  3. A beautiful website for your wedding and special event planning. And it fits so perfectly with everything you write on your blog about yourself and your life. Wishing you lots and lots of blessings on this new venture/adventure.

  4. The website is awesome…as everyone else has stated! In answer to your question, I have noticed a recent trend at weddings and that is renting the photo booth, so the bride and groom have a photo of each person that attended. My nephew and his wife left pages to attach the photo along with a place for something to say to the bride and groom, that they made into a photo album. I thought it was a really nice touch! I wish you all the best in your new venture! Follow your dreams wherever they take you!

  5. If you need another ” helper” that is something I would LOVE to do…. Told you we are on the same page! Best of luck to you! Vivian

    Sent from my iPhone ~Vivian

  6. I loved the Grace that slipped through the computer screen. I believe in “Happily Ever After” too. I think any couple or family would be over the moon, lucky to have you calmly, behind the scenes……guide their celebrations.
    I send my blessings and prayers. May your new venture, bathe you in Grace and Goodness.
    Here’s to you and your gift.
    Daleen

    1. It is all the love and encouragement from my family and friends like you that has made this possible. I wish you were here to hang out with me and visit wide open spaces. I have you beside me in spirit!
      Blessings to you! xo Joanne

  7. This is beautiful, Joanne. You have a gracious and positive spirit, a must for smoothing out the little wrinkles that happen at weddings and other celebrations. Jim and I were married in a large garden area and everything was perfect, but if an afternoon shower had materialized, things would have been chaotic. Our only back up possibility was to open the garage, move out the cars and have everyone huddle inside. (We were blessed with a dry, sunny afternoon.)
    Congratulations on your new adventure!

    1. Hi Marylin! Wow, I am so glad to hear you had an outdoor wedding! I simply love being outside, in the midst of nature, celebrating such a heart warming event.
      My husband’s name is Jim too!
      Blessings, Joanne xo

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